According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of gasoline in Washington state is $5.78, ranking second in the nation.
SEATTLE — Despite record-high gas prices, Seattle drivers stayed on the road this Memorial Day weekend, including Jeremy Tryon, who stopped driving this week to save money on gas.
“Gas prices are crazy, so I ride my bike everywhere,” Tryon said. “I don’t drive during the week, or usually never. Even on the weekends, we try to avoid driving because gas prices are so high.”
But this weekend, he’s heading out of town to camp. He’s certainly not alone.
A record 39.1 million people will drive this weekend, with an estimated 45 million Americans expected to drive at least 50 miles from home between Thursday and Monday, according to AAA.
Nationwide, natural gas prices have reached a four-year high.
In Washington state, drivers are paying record rates. The average price of a gallon of regular gasoline is $5.78, making Washington the second most expensive state in the country, behind California.
For Barry King, a general contractor who lives in Ballard, the spike is especially difficult to deal with.
“My gas bill went from $35 a week to $100 a week. Now I’m no longer working and the company laid me off,” he said. “It’s always frustrating when you can’t make ends meet.”
Tryon and King spoke to KING 5 in the parking lot of a Ballard gas station, where a gallon of regular fuel was listed at $6.19.
“Gas prices are crazy, $6 a gallon is ridiculous,” said Chris Meyers. “I drive a lot. I’m on the road a lot, and every time I come here and pay $60 it’s a little painful.”
AAA says help won’t be coming soon.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway in the Middle East, carrying about 20% of the world’s oil supply. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused oil prices to rise by more than 50% since the war with Iran began.
